Starbucks Gossip

Has Starbucks changed since Howard Schultz wrote his 2007 we've-really-slipped memo?

Shares of Starbucks hit a 52-week high today, and there was probably some celebrating going on at the Seattle headquarters. It was a different story four years ago when Howard Schultz wrote his infamous memo that landed on this blog and went viral. Here's part of what he wrote in 2007:

* We have had to make a series of decisions that, in retrospect, have lead to the watering down of the Starbucks experience, and, what some might call the commoditization of our brand."

* "Stores ... no longer have the soul of the past and reflect a chain of stores vs. the warm feeling of a neighborhood store. Some people even call our stores sterile, cookie cutter, no longer reflecting the passion our partners feel about our coffee.

* "The merchandise, more art than science, is far removed from being the merchant that I believe we can be and certainly at a minimum should support the foundation of our coffee heritage. Some stores don't have coffee grinders, French presses from Bodum, or even coffee filters."

* "The current state of affairs ... has lead to competitors of all kinds, small and large coffee companies, fast food operators, and mom and pops, to position themselves in a way that creates awareness, trial and loyalty of people who previously have been Starbucks customers. This must be eradicated."

Anyone is welcome to comment, of course, but I'm especially interested in hearing from longtime partners who were working at Starbucks when this memo came out. Have things changed in four years? Is there truly a turnaround? (From my perspective, there's less of an egg smell now, but that's only change I notice.)

Conan O'Brien has fun with a Starbucks "Gays, Grannies & Grandes" promotion

The late-night host and his writers came up with this bit after the Southwest Airlines pilot complained about flight attendants being gays, grannies and grandes. I think this is great video -- but are there better Starbucks-related videos out there? Let us know in comments.

Starbucks in North Virginia is a popular gathering spot for immigrants

It's a place where Moroccans talk soccer scores, Egyptians discuss revolution and Somalis argue over politics -- all in a coffee chain store that's become an unlikely hangout for immigrants seeking the flavor of home. "As Muslims we don’t drink, we don’t go to the bar and hang out; we do this," says Abed Ellafdi, a construction worker who came from Morocco. WHAT KINDS OF GROUPS GATHER AT YOUR STARBUCKS? Are they welcome -- or are they an annoyance? Read "Immigrants gather at Starbucks for a taste of home"

OPEN THREAD conversation-starter: What drink does Starbucks need to introduce?

How about a Snickers Frappuccino? I'm a brewed coffee guy, so I'm happy with what's currently offered, but I suspect other customers and employees have ideas for drinks that have yet to be launched. What are yours? Discuss this -- or anything else Starbucks-related -- in the OPEN THREAD. || Jump to the second page of comments.

What's the word on Howard Schultz and his neck?

Where should we send our Get Well cards? From the AP story: "Starbucks did not disclose the type of surgery or exact nature of his condition but said that he injured his neck several years ago and began to experience further discomfort during his book tour this spring." ||Read "Howard Schultz to undergo elective surgery"

Check out what Starbucks board members get for attending some meetings

The compensation for attending 11 board meetings a year (plus some committee meetings) ranges from $245,633 a year to $626,600. This site notes: "Starbucks pays for Howard Schultz’s security costs which were $680,961 in 2009; in 2010 he reimbursed the company part of his security costs resulting in an aggregate cost of $210,268." || Read "The Director Compensation Project: Starbucks Corp.



Which celebrities have you spotted at Starbucks? (the 2011 edition)

This story about Mila Kunis stopping at a Boston Starbucks for a drink had me checking to see when we last discussed celebs at Starbucks. It's been a few years, so let's dish again: Which celebrities have you served (or seen)? (That's Ashton Kutcher on the left.) What did they order? How did they tip? Were they polite? Rude? Tell all! || ARCHIVES: The debut celebs-at-SBUX thread from 2005. || The 2007 edition. || The 2008 posts. || The 2009 sightings.

OPEN THREAD conversation-starter: A Starbucks in a funeral home? Yup. (It's a licensed store.)

Earl Nesbit stopped in the Starbucks on Thursday with his sister while making funeral arrangements for their mother. "I thought it was a very creative and innovative idea," he says of the funeral home's franchise. "At first, I thought it was weird but then it started to make sense." ANY DRINK IDEAS FOR THIS OUTLET? How about "Mourner's Macchiato"? "Pre-Cremation Cappuccino"? Discuss this or anything else Starbucks-related in the OPEN THREAD.

Speaking of Starbucks customers who are asshats....

Just days after starting a thread about obnoxious customers, I read about a homeless guy who threw hot water in the face of a Starbucks employee in San Diego. He asked for the free water, then walked over to the condiment area. When the employee told him those items were for paying customers, he flung the water in her face. She was treated for second-degree burns. || Read "Man throws hot water at Starbucks employee"

Starbucks store "closed until further notice," but customers still try to get in

Nothing can stop some Starbucks customers from getting their caffeine fix -- not even a sign that says "closed until further notice." Here's a light little piece for those of you sick of the alleged homophobia saga at the Long Island Starbucks (see the post below). || Read "Starbucks closed, people attempt to walk in anyway"